Took off the nitto v2 and went from 235/40/18 to 245/35/18 car is lowered andhas spacers tires are flush looks pretty sick, but the performance so far is definitely improved and on every level it is amazing response is instant like what your thinking just happens with no effort, acually so fast that I found my self early in the turn at first, handles so well it makes me smile, as I pull away from from a 1100 cc racing/street bike who was completely laid out on a tight banked turn to the left that is marked 45mph, looking back for a split second in my mirror fourth gear exiting at 100++pulling out on that rider and having him come up next to me as I'm acknowledging his turn he is nodding and showing me acknowledgement that I was faster than him in and out of the tturn that I regularly hit at about 10mph slower with the feel of maxing out the nitto's, my new ssports could have handled more easly ! Tires are the most important component in a complete suspension after market or stock Its worth the extra $$ for the best and I truly believe these michelin tires are the best I've ever run from bfg to perrelli and just about any other tire you can think of I've tried in the last 25 yrs overall already a ten will update after summer. Thanks tire rack......

When looking to improve the performance of your vehicle, a coil-over kit can provide the most dramatic effects when it comes to reducing body roll, controlling bounce and adjusting ride height. A coil-over kit is best described as a spring, shock and bump stop incorporated into one assembly with the spring encompassing the shock and bump stop. It often uses an adjustable spring perch to allow different vehicle ride heights without changing the springs.

The Bilstein PSS10 Coil-Over System offers ten vehicle adjustment settings and includes numbered adjusters at the base of the shock body so you know exactly what setting you are on without counting clicks

All Bilstein gas pressure struts/inserts and gas pressure shock absorbers operate on the same principle. They're designed with the rod pointing down into the strut tube, thereby utilizing the thicker, stouter body portion of the shock absorber to dissipate side loads. Due to the increased diameter and surface of the pressure tube, the Bilstein gas pressure strut/insert or shock is better suited to take increased side loads when compared with the conventional version.

Additional advantages, based on development strongly influenced by the motorsport industry, include increased stability, improved road handling and accurate steering. And extremely high quality manufacturing and materials as well as a weather resistant coating to resist oxidation, mean Bilsteins will last approximately four times as long as Original Equipment.

Upgrading the wheels on a car is one of the most popular modifications drivers like to make. It allows you to add a personal touch, while also helping it stand out in a crowd.

What wheels will fit on your car? Simple. Just use our shop by vehicle feature and we'll show options that are guaranteed to fit your vehicle. In some situations, our site will also let you know if a modification to the vehicle is needed for the wheel to fit. This message will appear under the "Important Notes" section. Situations like this are likely to occur with trucks where a lift kit is used. To ensure the wheel is a perfect match for your vehicle, we measure or verify many items, including:

Bolt Pattern

Centerbore Diameter

Hub Diameter

Load Capacity

Lug Hardware

Suspension Components Clearance

Once you have selected your wheel, the next step is choosing a set of tires that's best for how and where you drive. If you select a wheel diameter that's different than the Original Equipment, you may need a new set of tires. You can shop by size to help you find the tires that are right for your application.

When looking for wheel sizes that fit a vehicle, many people often start by searching on Google. With our extensive fitment database, all you need to do is search by vehicle on our site and view the options that are a match for what you drive.

Once you arrive at the wheel listings, you may have the option to select wheels of the same size or with a minus sizing or Plus Size fitment. Larger diameter wheels enhance the vehicle's appearance, but will decrease ride quality. Minus sizing is commonly done for people who purchase winter / snow tire and wheels or to improve ride quality.

If you want a more aggressive fitment and don't mind having modifications done, our "Important Notes" link under the wheel's specs should be read before making your final decision. For more help with making your wheel choice, be sure to click on the "View on Vehicle" link that allows you to see the wheel on your vehicle.

With over thirty years in the business, Tire Rack has been the best source for tires, suspension and brake components for everything from track cars to daily drivers. Along the way, we've made a lot of friends and gained some fans like those that follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. If you're looking to show your support at an entire differeny level, be sure to check out our line of apparel! Going beyond the traditional hat and t-shirt, we offer a great selection of polos, pullovers, cycling jerseys and more.

Our cycling and running jerseys are from 100% polyester and wick away moisture to help keep you dry, cool and comfortable. Available in different colors, choose the option that's right for you.

Tire Rack's Sport-Tek 1/4-Zip Sweatshirts feature a cotton/polyester blend that'll keep you warm for those chilly mornings at the track. It features rib knit cuffs and waistband for comfort and durability. Our logo is embroidered and the material is designed to minimize shrinking after repeated washings.

Often times I receive calls from customers who are curious about changing the wheel size on their vehicle. Here are answers to some of the most common questions about the difference in wheel sizes:

Can I use a different wheel size than what came on my car? Yes. There are often sizes that'll work very well on a vehicle even though they were not originally installed on it. When you search by vehicle on our website, all the options listed have been verified to fit. This also allows us to show you the specific price for the wheel you need for your vehicle.

Why do you need to know my vehicle? We need to know your vehicle to ensure a proper fit. Experience has taught us that searching by wheel size, offset and/or bolt pattern alone aren't specific enough criteria to ensure an exact fitment. Attention to detail prevents vibration, wheel and tire interference and unbalanced handling. Read "Why Shop for Wheels by First Selecting a Vehicle?" to see what we check so the wheels you order are a fit for your car.

How does Tire Rack know what will fit my vehicle? So glad you asked! Because there are numerous wheel/vehicle combinations, this often means each wheel has to be individually tested on the vehicle either manually or electronically using Computer Aided Deign (CAD) data. Some of the items we verify to ensure a proper fit include:

Bolt Pattern

Centerbore Diameter

Hub Diameter

Load Capacity

Lug Hardware

Suspension Components Clearance

Take a look at "How We Know What Fits" to see how we offer Tire & Wheel Packages that are specifically designed for your vehicle.

Will the new size throw off my speedometer/odometer? No. If you stick with a proper plus- or minus-sized tire, the speedometer and odometer will still function correctly. To learn more about this topic, check out our tech article, "The Plus Concept."

Will I have to change anything else on my vehicle? Typically, the answer is no. The vast majority of our wheel fitments will bolt right on. We do list some specialized wheel fitments that are designed for vehicles used in racing, with lifted suspensions or modified fenders. Any wheels requiring modification are noted as such.

Will my vehicle's ride or handling be affected? It depends on the size. Plus or minus one inch from the original wheel is not usually very noticeable. Bigger wheels generally have sportier handling but a harder ride. Smaller wheels have a softer ride and more flex in the tire's sidewall.

I shopped for a Tire & Wheel Package, but I only see wheels. What's going on? Creating a Tire & Wheel Package is a two-part process. First, you choose the wheel you want, then you choose a tire to go with it. As tire enthusiasts, we don't believe that the same tire is right for every driver, so we let you choose the tire that's best for you.

For Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Packages, it's often beneficial to use a smaller diameter wheel (combined with a taller profile tire) compared to your stock wheels. In many cases, an expensive, low profile tire size and wheel combination can be substituted with a more cost-effective tire and wheel set that'll also afford added sidewall height to minimize pothole damage. With more and more vehicles coming standard with 19" and 20" wheels and tires, "minus sizing" has become very popular.

How do we know which wheels will fit your vehicle? By measuring your vehicle's critical components with sophisticated electronic tools that allows our fitment engineers to create accurate drawings of these parts. This also helps us check for any interferences. Items we measure or verify during the process include:

Bolt Pattern

Centerbore

Hub Interference

Load Capacity

Lug Hardware

Suspension Components

Once a wheel is guaranteed, we can develop the corresponding tire size that will both maintain proper load capacity and overall diameter for accuracy of the vehicle's electronic instrumentation and safety systems. Proper fitment engineering allows us to offer Tire & Wheel Packages that are specifically designed for your vehicle. Our attention to detail prevents vibration, wheel/tire interference and unbalanced handling that can result from improperly designed packages.

For further information on how we verify what wheels are a match for your vehicle, read "How We Know What Fits."

The first thing I should mention is that about 99% of my driving is on highways, and about 1% occasionally off-road.

I really wanted to like this tire. However it has sorely disappointed me.

There must be horrible quality control and consistency with the manufacture of this tire because some reviewers are reporting good wear, but I have been closely monitoring mine and at the current wear rate they will be bald at about 28,000 miles. Remember, Kuhmo claims a 60,000 mile warranty on these. This rapid wear rate is occurring despite the fact that my vehicle gets regular alignments to the preferred specs. and is kept at the preferred tired pressures. And it is not the very few off road miles that have caused the wear. The vehicle had only 17k miles on it when the tires were first put on and all suspension components are tight, so that is not the problem either.

Initially they balanced as smooth as glass, however upon the first rotation, an intolerable imbalance appeared that can't be cured despite repeated road force balancing on calibrated equipment. The rims are true. I simply can't wait for these to wear out, which looks like sooner than later, so I can get something different.

I have driven in various mountain snow conditions all my life and how these got the mountain snowflake symbol (thus implying something special) is a mystery to me. They are nothing special in the snow and perform about the same as the basic all-season tire they replaced.

Here is a warning to those with 4 cyl. cars. These tires have very high rolling resistance. Mine is a 4 cyl. and once I switched from the stock tires to these it felt as though 10 horse power suddenly disappeared.

I've got over $900 tied up in these, but they are behaving like 30K tires that cost a fraction of this. Frankly, IMHO these tires are either way overrated, or Kuhmo must get their act together and focus on consistancy and quality control of their product.

Looking for a complete lowering spring and damper kit that'll add improved handling without a big sacrifice in comfort? Then take a look at the Bilstein B12 Pro-Kit. By combining Eibach's proven Pro-Kit springs with specially tuned Bilstein shocks and struts in one complete package, you can get the best that both companies have to offer for the following vehicles:

Late model C- and E-Class Mercedes-Benz

Fifth-generation Volkswagen Golf

Fifth-generation VW GTI

In nearly all cases, the use of a lowering spring requires replacement of the Original Equipment struts and shock as the higher spring rates are more than the O.E. units can handle. For best durability, switching to a performance oriented shock with heavy duty components will maximize the performance of the spring and eliminate the chances of premature wear. Eibach went to one of the best in the suspension industry and asked them to design a durable and responsive companion for their Pro-Kit spring.

While moderating the BMW forums, one of the most common questions I answer is in regards to upgrading tires to a larger size. Using a wider size on the same wheel while maintaining the same overall diameter is known in the tire industry as "plus zero" sizing. This is typically done to get a larger contact patch and for an improved cosmetic appearance.

Here is a list of common plus zero sizes on two popular generations of BMW 3 Series vehicles:

E36 (most 1992-1998 BMW 318i, 325i, 328i, 330i models):

If you have factory 16" wheels with the Original Equipment size of 205/55R16, you can install 225/50R16 tires with no problem. This is a very common upgrade and fits the wheels well. The plus size maintains the correct overall diameter and load requirements. With this change, you'll gain about an inch in tire width.

With the Original Equipment size of 205/55R16, you can use the plus size of 225/50R16.

Owners with the O.E. size of 225/45R17 you can plus size to either 235/40R17 or 235/45R17. With the 235/45R17 size, it's a fit in a vast majority of cases and typically only rubs on a lowered vehicle or a car with worn suspension components.

For the Original Equipment size of 225/40R18, the plus size of 235/40R18 will work. This is also a case where the plus size fits in the vast majority of cases and typically only rubs on a lowered vehicle or a car with worn suspension components.

This is my second set on my second Jag Convertible. I didn't care for the OEM Dunlop Sport Maxx's as they have absolutely no winter traction. So I have my dealer swap them off for these at delivery. With My Pilot A/S's, I feel like I'm in a little 4X4 come winter, though this last winter was only fair as the very few snows we had were wet snows and the tires do far better in deep snow or very cold 'dry' snow. Compared to the Summer tires though, there is no comparison. These last 35-45,000 miles compared to 18-22,000 miles for the Summer tires. I like that. To all the reviewers who say they get noisey... Have any of you ever heard of an alignment machine? The only noise that builds is due to chopping. Chopping is caused by one thing and one thing alone, a poor alignment or old suspension components which lead to this. I suppose its easier to blame the tire than the driver. I highly reccomend these tires, have never had an issue and will buy again and again. I am eyeing the Conti DWS Extreme Contact's though I must say, as I like the pricing and have heard good things there as well. Competition, isn't it a wonderful thing.

Looking for a coil-over system for your daily driver, but also want it to perform at the track? One of the most attractive features of the following options is their ride height adjustability. They feature an adjustable spring perch and a threaded shock body. You can thread the perch up and down, allowing you to customize how much lowering you prefer for each corner of the vehicle. These coil-over systems will also let you customize the tuck of the vehicle's corners.

Below are my three favorite track-ready coil-overs available at Tire Rack:

Utilizing Bilstein's shock absorbers that are designed for heat dissipation and ride control, the PSS10 Coil-Over System adds a matched performance spring and threaded ride height adjuster to provide a complete suspension system for your vehicle. The system offers ten vehicle adjustment settings and includes numbered adjusters at the base of the shock body so you know exactly what setting you are on without counting clicks.

The RSS ClubSport Coil-Over Kit is designed for the committed motorsport enthusiast who's willing to relinquish some ride comfort in return for handling performance. The firmest coil-over in the H&R street line, the RSS is the choice for weekend track and club sport events.

KW Variant 3 Coil-Overs are state-of-the-art motorsport technology for proven performance on the streets. Independently adjustable compression and rebound damping allows for custom driving set-ups. The exclusive KW patented system has dual-level valves to provide the adjustment of the rebound damping (comfort) and the compression damping in the low-speed range. High-speed settings for driving comfort are preset by KW engineers.

To find the suspension component that's right for your car, shop by vehicle.

Having already chosen the Eibach Pro-Kit Spring Set for my 1997 740i, it's time to turn my attention to the the shocks and struts, known collectively as dampers. The available options include the Bilstein Touring Class, Bilstein Sport and KYB GR-2.

The Touring Class and GR-2 are similar to one another in that they're both premium quality replacements for the stock dampers. They are valved about 10% firmer than the originals to account for the wear that accumulates in other suspension components over time and their goal is to provide ride and handling that equals or exceeds the Original Equipment.

The Bilstein Sport is a high-performance shock absorber designed for use with lowering springs. The mono-tube design, while more expensive to produce, has advantages for heat dissipation, longevity and consistent performance.

Do I spend the money on the Bilstein shocks or save some cash and go back with a factory-equivalent part? The Bilstein Sports are the only replacement shock absorbers that are officially recommended to use with the Pro-Kit springs. Using the Touring Class or GR-2 with lowering springs would void their warranties. While this wouldn't be the first warranty I've ever voided when modifying a vehicle, I think that if I'm going to go through the trouble and expense of replacing them, it's worth doing it right. The Bilstein Sport was the winner and will make a great addition to my BMW 740i.

My 1997 BMW 740 is likely overdue for a suspension overhaul. The potholed and broken pavement that is typical of this time of year has highlighted that fact. With over 180,000 miles on the vehicle (only about 20,000 are from my driving), I have not replaced the BMW shocks or springs and do not know whether the original owner did either. The existing components could very well be the ones that came from the factory!

The decline in handling from sloppy, worn-out suspension components is taking a toll on my enjoyment of the car. Therefore, it's time to start plotting my replacements. Springs are easy to replace and relatively affordable. I have narrowed my choices between the Eibach Pro-Kit Spring Set and H&R Sport Spring Set. Both brands are excellent and well priced. For a car like mine that may see some fast driving but is generally a daily driver, the Pro-Kit offers an excellent combination of comfort and handling.

Shocks are a little tougher choice and more expensive. Check back next week to see what option I've chosen.

I received the following question in one of the forums I help moderate: "I have 137,000 miles on my car. I've heard that some people experience sagging springs. Under what conditions, if any, do springs wear out and how can I tell other than a lower ride height?"

Springs support the weight of a vehicle and over time can certainly sag and result in lowered ride height and reduced body control. While you may never "need" to replace springs (short of one being broken) on your vehicle, 137,000 miles is quite some time for the Original Equipment. You would likely see a noticeable improvement by replacing your springs after this amount of driving and time supporting the vehicle's weight. While you're replacing these suspension components, consider the Eibach Pro-Kit Spring Set.

Below are a few areas that will improve by replacing worn out springs with a new set of lowering springs:

These General Altimax tires were purchased to replace a set of Goodyear Triple Tread Assurances that had lasted about 45,000 miles. Warranty at the time for the Goodyears was around 80,000 I believe, so I was disappointed in the life of the GoodYear tires, especially relative to their expense. I try not to let more than 9,000 or 10,000 go by before rotating, and my driving would be considered average, although now with two teens I lean more to the grandma end of the scale in a sad attempt to set an example.

The Generals performed fairly well. Dry and wet handling & braking were good, and snow handling was very good. I rated ice traction as five/ten, but I wouldn't expect much better from an all season tire. Cornering was a seven, probably due more to the vehicle's standard suspension components than the tire. Treadwear I've given a six only because at 35,000 miles they're down to Washington's head on the quarter, well below what the current Altimax HP warranty is, and most likely less than the warranty when I bought them (most likely 50,000-60,000). Three years and 35,000 miles, even on Chicagoland roads, is so-so. I found them to be a quiet tire even on some of the concrete highways in between here and FLA. A good friend who is quite particular about tire noise was very impressed with the Altimax HPs lack of road noise.

Overall I found them to be good performers, if not a little short on life. As I look at the Goodyears and see decent reviews, I remember that given what I paid for them they didn't last as long as they were supposed to, so why spend the extra money for them? Consumer Reports consistently rates Michelins as good tires, but with poor performance in the snow. They too are more expensive.

As a result, I'm sticking with the Altimax HPs for a new set of tires, and we'll see if we can't get the grey beast from the current odometer reading of 115,000 all the way to 160,000 with these new shoes.

Would you like to improve the look, handling and cornering capability of your late model Mustang? We have the solutions ranging from a single component (just springs or dampers) up to track ready coil-over systems.

If you're wanting to close up that wheelwell gap, without sacrificing ride quality, a product like the Eibach Pro-Kit Spring Set would be a great solution. You'll see a mild drop in the 1.0" - 1.5" range which will improve the stance and handling while maintaining a near factory ride.

Are you ready to hit the track while wanting a wide range of adjustments (including your Ford shocks) for your vehicle? It may be time to explore a coil-over kit. Again, Eibach steps up to the plate offering drops adjustable between 1.0" and 2.4". The Multi-Pro Coil-Over (shown above) features a 10-way independently adjustable compression and rebound which allows for combinations that are near limitless to dial your car in perfectly.

Options are available for most years and models of the fifth-generation Mustang (2005 and up).

Whether you're looking to buy shocks online or purchase a coil-over kit, shop by vehicle to find the right suspension products for your vehicle.

No matter what you drive, Tire Rack has done the homework necessary to ensure a proper fit for your vehicle when it comes to our Tire & Wheel Packages.

While some vehicles have many aftermarket wheel and tire options, others are a bit more challenging and require the use of specially selected wheels to clear brake calipers, avoid suspension components and offer a factory style stance. One such vehicle that comes to mind is BMW's X5. This vehicle, especially when equipped with the optional 20" sport package, is notoriously difficult to outfit with all-season or dedicated winter / snow tires.

Although manufacturers are stepping up to the plate and beginning to offer non-summer X5 tires in the 275/40-20 front and massive 315/35-20 rear sizes, the most popular solution for those looking for the best traction in foul weather is a downsized Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package.

A few wheels, such as the Rial Oslo (pictured) offer enough brake clearance in an 18" size to allow for proper fitment. With wheels such as this, we prefer drivers run a 255/55-18 tire on all four corners. This tire size allows for a wide variety of cost-effective options, maintains the factory rolling diameter and has a better cutting effect on ice and in snow compared to the factory staggered setup. Most often, a Tire & Wheel Package for this SUV in the 18" size costs approximately the same or less than the factory sized tires by themselves.

How do we know which wheels will fit your vehicle? We measure your vehicle's critical components with sophisticated electronic tools that allows our engineers to create extremely accurate drawings of each part. For more information, read "How We Know What Fits."